He stands there with this lips pursed, eyes determined and declares, “No want to!”
He has arrived…the independent two-year-old.
It’s not his first visit. I’ve seen him before. Two times before (2007 & 2009).
Although I can handle the stand-offs with more grace and less emotion, they still annoy me.
We have places to be, things to do…I have a plan. His obstinance prolongs every process.
He doesn’t want to get in the car. Then he doesn’t want out of the car. He refuses to walk towards the park. Then refuses to walk away from the park…
He is not bothered if I continue on without him. I walk ahead and he stands firmly. I turn the corner and glance back only to find him content without me.
So I concede and walk back. I pick him up, carrying him to the next destination.
Just like parenting does so often…I see my heart reflected in his. I see my refusal to follow. I see my desire to do things the way I want them done.
Sometimes I don’t look to see where my Father is leading. I am content to stand firm in what I think is right.
Why should I have to serve my family all day, every day? Why should I give words of encouragement to my husband? Why should I call a friend who is going through a hard time?
In my own way I’m screaming: “NO WANT TO!!”
He has a plan for me. He has a place He wants to take me. Will I allow Him to scoop me up and carry me safely there?
It’s not whether that plan will be fulfilled. It’s how will I get there? Will I chose the hard way? Choosing my will over His?
He gives me that freedom. His plan, His way OR His plan, the hard way.
His plan will prevail. I can chose to be in His presence on the path to getting there. Or I can chose to stand my ground. Trying the way I think is best.
Lord,
Give me patience with this little man in my life. Help me to teach him how to obey without breaking his spirit. Give me wisdom in each challenging moment.
Help me to see my own strong will in regards to obeying you. Thank you that you give me the freedom to choose but are gracious enough to come back for me when I fail.
Amen
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me…I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please…What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. I am bringing righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed.” Isaiah 46:9-13
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Oh how true this is! Our hearts are reflected back to us in our little children. It’s humbling. God’s grace is made perfect in our weaknesses.
oh yes! exactly! thanks leigh ann!
Oh yes! In our house it’s no with a smile attached! So often I see myself reflected in my daughter and am so thankful that He holds on to us. I hope that I will learn to follow His plan His way soon and trust in His best…
oh with a smile! that’s fun. =)
i just wanted to add that that toddler has arrived at our house as well.
Ha! yes. i know it’s coming and yet i am thrown off by the “turning” of my sweet baby to a little boy with opinions!
How timely for me this morning… As I write, Alex is in time out because he will not take his medicine. No TV, no toys, no fun. Breaking the will is such a challenge, especially while holding onto our sanity!
I appreciate your words, sweet friend…
This is absolutely fantastic! It re-affirms what the Lord has been showing me this week. Thank you for seeing it and portraying it so clearly and cleverly. I pray we can all be a more “God-Centered Mom.”
All this while I’ve been annoyed at my triplets’ stubbornness… and never considered the hundreds of times I’ve pouted at God when He brought something my way. Thank you for this beautiful insight! God bless!
PS – I stopped by from Life Unmasked